Guntur: A Central team on Tuesday visited the coastal areas in Guntur district affected by the last month`s cyclone `Phailin` to assess the damage.
The three-member inter-ministerial team saw for itself the flood-damaged standing crops of cotton, chillies, paddy and vegetables. The visiting members also witnessed a photo exhibition depicting the extent of damage.
Farmers told the members they had already salvaged the flood-soaked standing crops and what remained on the fields is small remnants.
Shambhu Prasad, a Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and leader of the team, later told the media they will submit a report to the Central Government.
Based on the report, the Government will take a decision on quantum of financial assistance to be drawn from the National Natural Calamities Relief Fund, he said.
Referring to damage caused to standing cotton crop due to rains every year, Prasad asked agriculture scientists to evolve rain-resistant seed strains.
Workers of Opposition Telugu Desam raised slogans in the Zilla Parishad office premises, where the team was interacting with officers, demanding relaxation in conditions for providing relief to flood-hit farmers. They were also protesting against the team`s delayed visit.
